Connecting Town & Trail
Located 13 miles north of the iconic Mountain Crossings store at Neel Gap, is Blairsville, GA one of the first towns along the Appalachian Trail.
For hikers, Blairsville is a great first stop to rest your weary feet after your first several days on trail. As you descend Blood Mountain, you can easily hitch into town where you will find accommodations, sports bars, coffee shops, breakfast, and grocery stores all within minimal walking distance of the downtown square. Blairsville is extremely hiker friendly with many easily getting a hitch back to the Trail from Cabin Coffee or calling a local shuttle service. As you explore the downtown area, don’t miss the Blairsville version of the famous Mount Katahdin sign in front of Seasons Inn Motel or the Neel Gap mural on your way down to Grandaddy Mimm’s Distillery. For a trail designed to see America, don’t miss this town on your journey to Maine!
For those wishing to enjoy the outdoors and spend a day or two in the area, Blairsville has an assortment of outdoor activities as well as local shops and restaurants to both satisfy the soul and inspire adventure. Vogel State Park is Georgia’s most visited park and has activities for the whole family. Paddle boarding on the lake, fishing along the bank, and trying out the mini-golf course are just a few of the things you can do while either staying in a cabin, RV, or your own tent at the park. You can visit the beautiful Brasstown Bald observation deck, hike to iconic Helton Creek Falls, or trail ride on horseback through the Chattahoochee National forest. In town, we have shops, restaurants, and a historic downtown courthouse that houses a museum of the history of our town.
Whether your hiking or visiting, we’d love to see you and show what southern hospitality means to us.
Plan Your Visit
Go to breakfast at one of the many places around the square. You can’t go wrong. From southern styled meals like Hole in the Wall to Cabin Coffee, whose bagels rival that of the NY deli’s, you can’t go wrong. A little further out from town is a local favorite, The Sawmill Place, that has some of the best southern gravy anywhere around.
Then spend your day hanging out at some of the local coffee shops like Dancing Rabbit or Expedition Joe’s (they have freeze dried meals as well as instant coffee). You might even think to pop into many of our local shops or visit our historic courthouse for a historic tour led by a team of local volunteers and staff. If you’re a hiker, you may want to kick your feet up and do some laundry at the super hiker friendly motel, Seasons Inn located on the town square. For everyone with a car, be sure to venture out to Alexanders Store, Jim’s Smokin Que, and all of our waterfalls and scenic overlooks.
Then come back to town for a night at Grandaddy Mimm’s distillery where you can try some local produced moonshine (try the Sorghum flavored one! It’s what we’re known for). Then you can venture over to RJs Cigars right before heading to bed. If you’re feeling gutsy, make your way over to our sports bar, the Blairsville Social, where every Thursday is Karaoke Night. You also want to be sure to hit up our wineries that offer some of the best views in all of Georgia.
Helton Creek Falls Trail
The Helton Creek Falls Trail is an easy 0.3 mile out-and-back trail located on Helton Creek Road about 1.4 miles off Hwy 19/129 near Blairsville and 1.2 miles South of Vogel State Park. The trail leads to two large waterfalls and a swimming hole. The trail climbs less than 20 feet and has stairs in steep places. It is accessible year-round and offers hiking, nature viewing, and birding. Dogs on lease can also use the trail. The falls can be viewed from the parking area which holds about 10 vehicles.
Neel Gap to Blood Mountain
The hike from Neel Gap to Blood Mountain is along a 4.3 mile heavily used out-and-back trail beginning at the Byron Herbert Reese parking lot off Hwy 19/129 near Blairsville and South of Vogel State Park. The trail is difficult in places, with almost 1500 feet of elevation gain, but the view from the top of Blood Mountain next to the Blood Mountain Shelter is well worth the effort. Hikers, walkers and trail runners can claim that they have been on a part of the Appalachian Trail (AT) and summited the highest part of the AT in Georgia. Because this hike is so popular, it’s best to hit the trail early or on a weekday to get a parking spot and avoid the crowds. The trail is accessible year-round and offers views and wildlife. Dogs should be leased in this area.
A.T. CommunityTM Supporters
These businesses support the Trail by taking part in the A.T. CommunityTM Supporter program.
• Blairsville Bikes & Hikes
• Blairsville-Union County Chamber of Commerce
• Blood Mountain Cabins and Country Store
• Book Bound Books
• Brasstown Bald Visitor Information Center
• Cabin Coffee of Blairsville
• Chick-Fil-A Blairsville
• Expedition Joe Coffee Co
• Ingles Markets
• Misty Mountain Inn and Cottages
• Mountain Crossings
• Rustic Mountain Decor
• Safe Pet Project
• S&S Smoothies and Supplements
• Suchess Vacation Rentals
• Sunrise Grocery
• The Grateful Hiker
• The Seasons Inn Motel
• The Tin Roof Country Store & Creamery
• Union County Public Library
• WJRB/WJUL Radio
Are you a business in Union County?
Join the A.T. CommunityTM Supporter Program!
Upcoming Events
When you get off the Trail, be sure to come back and visit for some of Blairsville’s annual events.
Don’t miss the Music and Seafood Festival in April, Green Bean Festival in July, Sorghum in the Mountains Festival in October, and an assortment of downtown arts & crafts festivals sprinkled throughout the year. Plus, Friday night bluegrass concerts in the historic courthouse and several car shows are always a hit.
View Calendar
Get Involved
Georgia Appalachian Trail Club
The Georgia Appalachian Trail Club manages, maintains and protects the Appalachian National Scenic Trail in Georgia with volunteers from its membership and the interested public. The Georgia Appalachian Trail Club promotes the appreciation of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and natural outdoor places through education and recreational activities, with an emphasis on conservation ethics and protection of the forests, their natural resources and wilderness areas.
Visit Website
ATC Volunteer Program
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is always looking for dedicated volunteers to help maintain the A.T. and assist in our visitor center and headquarters. Opportunities range from greeting visitors and providing information about local hikes to joining a Trail crew for week-long maintenance trips, gaining first-hand experience in what it takes to keep the A.T. open and enjoyable for millions each year.
Learn More